What's New in Studio 5000 Logix Designer v30

Version 30 of Studio 5000 Logix Designer programming software has been release for Rockwell's 5370 and 5380 CompactLogix controllers, as well as their 5570 and 5580 ControlLogix controllers.

So, what's new in Studio 5000 version 30?

UPDATE:

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Windows 10 Support:

I know many of us who've received a new PC in the last couple of years have been very anxious to see Logix Designer officially support Windows 10, and now that support comes with v30.

License-Based Source Protection:

This feature allows users to add source protection as well as controls permissions like View and Edit to AOIs and Routines.

The licenses are created and administered using the CodeMeter web portal.

Component Change Detection:

For those using the 5×70 series of controllers, this feature allows them to quickly identify when “tracked” Routines, AOIs, and Constants have been changed.

No word currently on when or if support for the 5×80 series will be released.

New Routine and AOI Export Permissions:

For those users who have secured their projects using FTSecurity as the primary security authority, they can now perform AOI and Routine exports in an encrypted format.

String Literal Binary Comparison:

Now users can compare string tags and string literals using standard binary comparison instructions like EQU, NEQ, GRT, and LES.

5480 UPS Support:

The 5480 controller replaces the standard “energy storage module” of other recent controllers with a UPS, and version 30 now adds support for this UPS including a new UPS fault bit and status icon.

New Object – HardwareStatus:

Used with the new 5480 Controller, a GSV can now be used along with this new object to retrieve information about the 5480's UPS, Fans, and Temps.

Enhanced – Structured Text:

Under the Structure Text tab of the Workstation Options, users can now enter information they would like to be auto-populated in the “comment header” of a Structured Text routine.

These fields include Company Name, Developer Name, Routine Name, Description, and Date.

For more information

For all the details about version 30, search Rockwell's “versions” webpage for Studio 5000 Logix Designer, and then select the PDF icon under version 30.xx.xx to open this versions release notes: (below you can see the link for the v27 release notes:)

So, what do you think of version 30?

Unhappy about the limited number of new features, or the fact that the new 5×80 can't use all of the included ones? Or are you happy to now have Windows 10 support?

If you have an opinion, feel free to share it with us using the “post a comment or question” link at the bottom of this page.

PS: Here at The Automation Blog we've yet to receive a copy of the update from the vendor to test, so we'll be unable to bring you any “hands-on” impressions about the new features unless that changes, or a reader who has the new software submits a guest post.